Akko Rosewood vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing experiences. The Akko Rosewood is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound right out of the box, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is designed with a lengthened single-stage spring, providing a bouncy feel with each keystroke, which adds an element of fun to typing while still maintaining a deep sound profile that immerses users in a satisfying experience. While the Rosewood may appeal to those who prioritize sound quality and a rich auditory experience, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance between accessibility and enjoyment, making it a great choice for novice and seasoned typists alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Rosewood and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches, the distinctions between their housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Rosewood features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature, which allows for more sound absorption. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Aesthetic preferences may also come into play here, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through more vividly, giving the Tourmaline Blue a visual edge.
The bottom housing materials further highlight the variations between the two switches. Both the Rosewood and the Tourmaline Blue use nylon and polycarbonate, respectively, in their bottom housings, maintaining the trend established by their top counterparts. With the nylon bottom housing of the Rosewood, users can expect a similar deep and rounded sound profile when bottoming out the keys. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a crisper bottom-out sound, providing a distinct auditory experience upon key activation. Thus, the differences in material properties will yield contrasting sensations in terms of sound and feedback when keys are fully pressed.
The differences in housing materials create a blend of auditory characteristics depending on whether you're pressing down or releasing the keys. In the Rosewood, the combination of nylon top and bottom housing amplifies the softer and more muted sound, offering a cohesive auditory profile that prioritizes warmth and depth. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, maintains a consistent bright-toned sound that accentuates clarity both on key press and release. Depending on personal preference, users seeking a unified soft sound may gravitate towards the Rosewood, while those looking for sharper sound profiles and vibrant lighting effects would favor the Tourmaline Blue. In essence, while distinct, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience through their tailored sound characteristics and the overall feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Rosewood features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is characterized by a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This means that the Rosewood switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to typists looking for comfort in long-term use, whereas the Tourmaline Blue provides more resistance, potentially offering a more satisfying experience for those who appreciate a firmer key press. Therefore, for users seeking lighter switches, the Akko Rosewood would be the better choice, while those preferring a heavier feel might lean toward the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the same at 4 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With both switches providing the same amount of key travel, factors like actuation force and overall feel become more significant when comparing their performance. Thus, whether using the Rosewood or the Tourmaline Blue, users can anticipate a consistent responsiveness due to the identical travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Akko Rosewood linear switch is renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound that resonates beautifully due to a carefully applied layer of factory lubrication. This thick sound profile provides a punchy auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable and immersive, creating an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also offers a similar deep and thocky sound, contributing to its appeal among enthusiasts looking for a satisfying auditory cue. Both switches promise a gratifying acoustic experience, although the exact sound may vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Rosewood switch offers a unique typing experience that is not clearly defined in the available information. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal effort to activate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance enhances the overall comfort during use. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues are characterized as mild switches that provide a balanced typing experience, suitable for a broad range of users, from beginners to seasoned typists. It appears the Rosewood may cater to a more specialized feel, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a firmer or more dynamic tactile response, while the Tourmaline Blue delivers an effortless and accommodating touch.
In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches excel in producing a rich, thocky sound, making them appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. While the Tourmaline Blue is well-defined in its gentle, mild feel, the details for the Rosewood's tactile sensations remain unknown. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Tourmaline Blue catering to a wider range of preferences thanks to its accessible actuation and user-friendly characteristics. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the established auditory profile of the Rosewood or the softer typing experience provided by the Tourmaline Blue.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter keystroke and enjoy the tactile pleasure of a deeper, thocky sound right out of the box, the Rosewood switch may be your best bet, especially if you engage in long typing sessions where finger fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and appreciate a balance between sound and comfort, the Tourmaline Blue is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press design and bouncy action enhance the typing experience, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, whether at home or in the office. Both switches offer exceptional auditory and tactile feedback, but ultimately, your specific needs and preferences will guide you to the ideal switch for your setup.
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